With the Fourth now just a faded memory like the smoke that hangs in the sky long after a firework has twinkled away, things can seem a little anti-climactic. However, there’s just two precious months left to savor the sweet summer season and all the outdoor socializing it has to offer – this oppressive heat wave be damned! Put on some shorts, pick up an extra bottle of hair defrizzer, and grab your flip-flops (unless you’re heading to the Osprey – flop ban still in effect. Found out the hard way two weekends ago!), and get out!

• Metromix Jersey Shore is hosting a happy hour at the Beach Bar in Asbury Park from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday (which is soon – power down your computer, leave work and go!). Never been to Beach Bar but heard only good things! Print this coupon before you go for drink specials.
• Kick of the weekend properly with happy hour at Leggett’s with music by Turnpike Mike and Randy on the patio and $2 drink specials from 4-8 p.m.
• Hemingway’s features DJ Milky Mike (does he like dairy products? is he really pale? who knows?!) and $2 Coors Lights and $4 unspecified bombs on Friday.
• The Surf Club continues Free For All Fridays with no cover, $1 Coors Light drafts, $5 call drinks, $3 shots and, apparently, hookahs, courtesy of Raaz Hookah, new to Seaside this year. It Ain’t Pretty (who doesn’t seem to have a website) will perform.
• On Saturday, Speakeasy will play in Osprey’s band room. Not sure if it’s the self-described “groove rock” Speakeasy from Missouri (not likely, but the bar’s site links to them) or the Carlstadt-based Speakeasy, who have not updated their Facebook group events since 2008. Guess we’ll just have to be surprised. Seriously though, don’t wear flipflops. Your friends will mock you when you’re the fool who forces the whole group to change plans and go elsewhere.
• 507 Main (bet you can’t guess their address) in Belmar will host the Springsteen tribute band the E Street Shuffle on Saturday night.
• On Sunday, Red Bank will offer Wine Walk from 4-7 p.m. Twenty bucks gets you a wristband, which entitles you to two wine samples and two food samples at 14 participating locations. Stroll around, sip some wine, have a snack – sounds tremendous. Buy a band at any participating restaurant, which can be found here.

Manasquan's most popular beach bar, Leggetts.

If you need an excuse to get rowdy to LMFAO’s summer classic “Shots,” (a song with such deep and meaningful lyrics), then Leggetts in Manasquan is the bar for you.  Every Thursday the bar is packed as everyone crowds around their infamous shot wheel.

Once every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. the live band stops and LMFAO and Lil’John take over the sound waves.  Whatever lucky shot the spinner lands on is then served for the next hour around the bar for just $1.  With options such as Jolly Rancher, Grape Ape, Washington Apple, and Sex on the Beach…you’ll have a wide selection all night long.  It’s a close knit atmosphere where everyone comes together for the one common goal, more shots.

The one large bar takes up a majority of the space at Leggetts, and many flat screen televisions line the walls playing some of the most popular sports games.  Off to the side you’ll find a stage that is home to many bands such as The Mike Dalton Band and Bobby Lynch Band that play every Wednesday and Thursday.  A few tables line the perimeter for those that want to sit down and order food.

As part of Weaze’s themed parties America’s Birthday Bash is on July 3 and 70’s Disco Party on July 10.  Make sure you check out their Web site for their calendar of events, drink specials and menu.

Leggetts has one extremely tiny parking lot, your best bet is to find parking on the street.  There are also many bike cops that patrol the area, and I learned from experience just the other day…bike cops do indeed pull you over so be careful and safe driving!

Leggetts Summer Lineup:

Wednesday

$2 Coors Light, $3 “Bombs,” $4 Kettle “O” Drinks, $3 Coronas and Margaritas

Thursday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights, $1 Shot Wheel

Sunday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights (noon-close), $1 Bud and Bud Lights (5-8 inside bar)

*Leggetts is located at 217 First Ave. Manasquan, NJ

]]> http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/shots-shots-shots/feed 0 http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/weekend-picks-6-24-6-27 http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/weekend-picks-6-24-6-27#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:26:36 +0000 Jessica Infante http://liveforjerseyshore.com/?p=743

Donovan's Reef in chillier times - no sweats required this weekend! (Photo courtesy of jerseyshore.metromix.com)

Now it’s really here – the kids are out of school; seasonal rentals are beginning; and the 4th of July looms ever nearer. If this gorgeous sunny weather we’ve been having hasn’t put you in the mood for cocktails al fresco, get your pulse checked. Fortunately, the Shore abounds with all sorts of spots for you to get your drink on, enjoy the sweet summer night air and take in a splendid view.

Here’s what’s good for this weekend:

• A True Story makes their debut Surf Club performance Friday night during the bar’s new Free For All Fridays. In the interest of full disclosure, LFJS loves, loves, LOVES this band (and has known its lead singer since middle school) so if it seems like we’re playing favorites, we are. Nick, Vic, Rick, John and Matt play their own awesomely catchy originals and can turn any bar into a rollicking dance party. Keep your ears out for their killer versions of “Bye Bye Bye,” “Shout,” anything by Kings of Leon and “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz (hint hint, Nick). It’ll be easy on your wallet too – no cover, $1 Coors Light drafts, $3 shot specials, $5 Grey Goose drinks, $5 keep-the-cup Seven Tiki spiced rum drinks, which, whatever they are, sound dangerous.
• Bar A throws a Devotion Vodka party on Saturday for those of you devoted to vodka. If you go early, happy hour is on the new grotto beach – let us know what it’s like! No cover until 9 p.m., $2.75 Heineken and Amstel Lights until 11:30, Miller Lite draft, Stoli Apple and Pomegranate specials.
• The Patio Bar at the Wharfside in Point Pleasant Beach, a great waterfront spot to drink and dine outside, has the Jamie Brown Trio from 1-5 p.m. and Undisputed from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday.
• Donovan’s Reef has Bitter X at 6 p.m. on Sunday if you’re looking to extend your weekend with some Sunday Funday beachfront festivities.

The new and improved Asbury Park boardwalk

Asbury Park, a Jersey Shore beach town with a rich musical past, has recently revamped their boardwalk and is slowly making a new name for itself.  As a Monmouth County resident, I’ve always had reservations about traveling to this beachside metropolis and after 22 years, I’ve finally made the trip.

2005 marked the beginning of the new Asbury era.  Since then, many new shops, restaurants and bars line the walkway.  Langosta Lounge, McLoone’s, and the new Aqua Restaurant and Bar (which I’ve been told is rumored to have fist pumping gurus at night) are among some of the more trendy destinations on the boardwalk.

Feeling a little daring last night, my friends and I veered right into Pop’s Garage Taco Bar, which also has a location at Normandy Beach.  This tiny eatery is seat yourself either on the boardwalk overlooking the massive beach or inside their tiny quarters.  Sitting outdoors was definitely the better option as I watched not only the waves crash but the diverse crowd stroll by.  The laid back atmosphere made for the quintessential summer night.

Reminiscent of Surf Taco, with far less options, you have your choice of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, to name a few.  Their menu even includes a glossary for those of you who did not have to endure 4 years of high school Spanish such as myself.

Margaritas were had and salsa was dipped, and after my three supersized chicken quesadillas, I was stuffed.  After our South of the border adventure we continued to walk on the boardwalk to see what else Asbury had in store for us.  Music was bumping outside of The Beach Bar and Wonder Bar as these nightly bars were gearing up for a routine thirsty Thursday.

The original boardwalk in the early 20th century

Forget about your preconceived notions about Asbury Park and venture out to a new Jersey Shore destination that is slowly becoming one of Monmouth County’s hot spots.  The Asbury boardwalk is not like others I’m used to, it definitely has a historical and old fashion feel to it evocative of the 1930s, but rich history is what our lovely Jersey Shore is all about.  So come check it out the new Ocean Avenue for yourself.

Now that the summer season is in full effect, our favorite beach bars are up and running. For the ultimate Jersey Shore experience head over to Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright, where the scent of the salty Atlantic greets you from the parking lot.

For you movie fanatics, Donovan’s Reef was established in 1976 and named after the famous John Wayne comedy coincidentally titled Donovan’s Reef. This 1960’s film is about a former sailor who owns a bar on a South Pacific island after WWII, called you guessed it…Donovan’s Reef.

This small bar is not only reserved for after hours fun, Donovan’s is a hotspot for daytime drinking as well. Guests can come in their bathing suits, lay on the beach, listen to music and enjoy the drinks that the tiki bars have to offer. Donovan’s is a private lifeguarded beach bar so you’re more than welcome to get in touch with your inner Michael Phelps out in the waves.  You most certainly won’t leave hungry either with their grill that is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving some of your summer favorites.

It’s not uncommon for the regulars to stay through the night, as many patrons are still donning their cover-ups and tan lines well into the early morning hours. It’s the ultimate laid back, beach bum, real Jersey Shore atmosphere.

If you prefer not to get sand in your shoes, there are a few small outdoor bars on the other side of the boardwalk as well as a full indoor bar. Inside you’ll find a stage that is home to many live bands whose music keeps everyone singing and dancing.

Make sure you check out their Web site with full a calendar of events and for you social media savvy people out there, follow them on twitter for instant updates on everything Donovan’s.

Some helpful tips that my friends and I learned the hard way this past Memorial Day Weekend. Donovan’s does in fact have cover, and no they don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you come with that cash money!

*Located at 1171 Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright

Don't let its seeming-emptiness fool you. This boardwalk's about to be overrun.

Gentle readers, it is upon us. On Friday, our fair island will be inundated with seasonal owners, their guests and, yes, the dreaded Benny. For lifelong beach kids like yours truly, Memorial Day Weekend (MDW for the uninitiated) is better than Christmas. Beach, barbecue, beers, old friends – what’s not to like?

For those of you seeking entertainment outside your own backyard, here are our picks:

• Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns at the Beachcomber Thursday night at 10 p.m. Party with Shorty, definitely among my favorite Shore bands, in the boardwalk bar where Snooki got punched. Bud Light drafts are usually $1.50; there’s never a cover and when you get hungry, Steaks Unlimited is right across the street.
• If you’re an early riser, Jenks and WPLJ 95.5 will salute the unofficial start to summer with the sunrise for the 2010 Summer Blast Off with the Scott and Todd Morning Show at 6 a.m., Barenaked Ladies, Kris Allen (see, who says winning American Idol doesn’t get you anywhere?) and then Lifespeed at night.
• Hemingway’s is touting the “biggest party in Seaside Heights” from May 28-30 on its website, whatever that means.
• The Osprey in Manasquan has a cover band-eriffic weekend with Big Bang Baby, Screaming Broccoli and Bitter X Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Bad news though, you still can’t wear flip flops.

Were I you, I’d probably stay away from MTV’s magnificent 7’s favorite hotspots this weekend. Save Bamboo and Karma for another time, friends.

Another thing to remember, prices are going to jump higher than Snickers’ poof this weekend on just about everything. Last summer, a 2.5 mile cab ride from Used to Be’s to my house cost $60, which we should have negotiated before getting in the taxi. The Ortley Beach McDonald’s banishes their dollar menu beginning MDW, although hours have been extended to round-the-clock, so find late-night snacks elsewhere. Also, the invasion of horrendous drivers has already begun so be extra careful.

We’ll be tweeting with #MDW10 all weekend and you should too! Happy summer!!

shorty!

Lots of stuff going on around the shore this weekend – Cinco de Mayo continues into Seis de Mayo, bands we like are around, and there’s good deals to be had. Let’s review…

• Hemingway’s combines its belated Cinco de Mayo celebration with its new Thursday night promotion, Plan B Thursdays. No, not so called because they anticipate patrons to need emergency contraception the next day (but it kinda sounds like it, right?), but because they’ve gotten giddily alliterative with specials on beers and bomb shots and live music from bands. $2 Coors Lights and Yuenglings, $3 bomb shots from 12-1, no word yet on this Thursday’s band.
• Speaking of featured bands, super-fun cover band A True Story will make their monthly appearance at Bar A on Friday. Full disclosure, ATS’s singer Nick is a dear friend of mine. Rick, Vic, John and Matt round out the band and in addition to some awesome originals, they cover almost everything and do it well. Seriously, their Kings of Leon covers sound just like, well, Kings of Leon. Also, they don’t shy away from the occasional Britney jam.  Bar A VIP card holders can swap their old cards for new ones; have-nots can purchase cards. Bud Lights cost $2, well-drinks $2.25, no cover before 9 p.m.

A True Story continues to rock out despite a stage-crasher at Bar A last summer.

• Supposedly the next best thing to seeing Sublime live is seeing Badfish and you can do so Friday night at the Surf Club. Tickets cost $16 in advance and $18 at the door, $2 Coors Light drafts.
• If Saturday’s 40 percent chance of thunderstorms doesn’t scare you off, Dr. Cheeko mans the afternoon shift at Martell’s Tiki Bar and there’s nothing like a fresh-squeezed OJ drink to deal with the heat we’ve been having lately.

Martell's Tiki Bar on the Point Pleasant boardwalk is just as fun by day or night.

• If you’re devoid of cooking skills and would rather just take Mom out for brunch on Mother’s Day, Metromix Jersey Shore rounded up a list of brunches in the area.

ole!

In 1862, the underdog Mexican army whooped the French army’s butt in the Battle of Puebla. In 2010, American corporations still use the holiday – now virtually meaningless in Mexico – as an excuse to promote overconsumption of beer and nachos. Such utter blatant manipulation of a military victory for commercial gain can be depressing, but it’s nothing a Corona can’t fix, right?

Fortunately, we have several options at the Shore for you to partake in the fiesta.

• Cinco de Taco: Surf Taco, the Shore’s favorite quasi-Mexican chain, will host a daylong celebration of all things taco that kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Jackson location – the only ST legally capable of selling tequila-enhanced margaritas. Billy Simmonds, GoodBie Amy, P-dub, Matt O’Ree, Stolen Rose and Flight Skool will play. Kids can enjoy some games and everyone can try out the mechanical surf board, which, for the record, we think is way cooler than a mechanical bull.
• Jenks’ Cinco de Mayo: Point Pleasant Beach’s massive boardwalk club Jenks will host New Jersey’s veteran cover band The Benjamins for their Saturday night party. Doors open at 9 and cover costs $5 after 10. Aluminum Bud Light bottles are on special for $3.
• Spicy’s Cantina: If you’re a stickler for technicalities, the fiesta at Spicy’s on the Seaside Heights will happen on the day itself, Wednesday the 5th. All sorts of festivities begin at 11 a.m. – a burrito eating contest, scavenger hunt, musical chairs, prize giveaways and a mariachi band will play from 6-9 p.m. Inexplicably, wings will be on special for 39 cents each.

If Dos Equis and tequila aren’t your bag, there’s lots more going on this weekend too:

The Surf Club reopens after its winter hiatus with the season’s inaugural Planet Surf on Friday night. Predator Dub Assassins, Hometown Roll and DJ Shaka will entertain the masses. Coronas, Corona Lights and tequila-based drinks will be $1 off. Thanks to our friends at Metromix, print out this coupon to get in for free.

On Sunday, Joey Harrison will welcome back the fist-pumping crowd for the 2010 debut of the Sunday Jam. Mind Control DJs Richie Santan and Peter Bailey and house DJs Liscious and Raphael will spin. The Coors Light Girls will be on hand to usher in the season and everyone will be treated to a free barbecue from 3-5 p.m. VIP cards for this year will be given out – no word about there being a special giveaway for Friday nights yet. We’ll look into it.

And now for something entirely different…

Vintage surfboards on display at Tuckerton Seaport

The Northeast’s first-ever surf museum will open its doors Saturday at Tuckerton Seaport. Some chick we know wrote about it for the Asbury Park Press, but, inexplicably, her story never went online so we can’t link to it. She swears the museum looks really cool. It displays surfboards of every shape, size and design and tells the history of surfing in New Jersey, from the days when “ironing boards” – primitive leash-less surfboards – were banned up and down the coast because some of the earliest Jersey Shore surfers couldn’t hang onto them in the water and they would smack the legs of unsuspecting waders. There are even artifacts from the day when surf behemoth Ron Jon sold more nautical furniture than surfboards.

Aside from the surf museum, the Seaport is a really cool spot to check out so if you make the trek down to Tuckerton, take a peak around.

Tuckerton Seaport is located at 120 W. Main St. Tuckerton. To get there from points north, take the Garden State Parkway to exit 58 and make a left off the ramp. Follow Route 539 to its intersection with Route 9 and make a right. The Seaport is on your left about half a mile south. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children older than 5. For more information, call 609-296-8868. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

South Seaside Park barrel | June 2009 (Photo: Justin Auciello)

Are you ready for Surf Weekend?

No, the Governor has not issued a proclamation. At Live for Jersey Shore, we’re dubbing it Surf Weekend, because today and tomorrow will feature two fun surf related events.

I’ve mapped it out for you.

Surf Weekend begins tonight at the grand Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, with the world premier of A Pleasant Surprise, a Super 16mm surf film, at 7 PM ($5 to enter, music by Sean Bones prior to the viewing, and 21+ to drink).

A Pleasant Surprise

Nick Zegel, left, Creator Director, and Kyle Pahlow, Filmmaker (Photo: Jonathan Hoover)

As a lifelong Jersey Shore surfer (bodyboarding by age 3, standing on the bodyboard by age 5, and riding my first surfboard–a used 5′8″ Al Merrick quad fin–by age 7), I am intimately familiar with the shore surf scene. Unlike our counterparts in locales that are warm year round, such as Southern California, Florida, and Hawaii, our conditions vary with each season.

If you surf here, you need to be ready to paddle out whether it’s 80 degrees, sunny, with 72 degree water temps in crowded conditions or 15 degrees, snowy, with 38 degree water temps in desolate conditions.

This is the life of a Jersey Shore surfer.

Although we haven’t seen A Pleasant Surprise yet, judging from its website, it appears that the film seeks to encapsulate our surfing culture, both in and out of the water.

From the film’s synopsis:

A Pleasant Surprise offers an honest look at the talents of a select group of surfers who live in a truly special part of the United States. Almost three years in the making, this film documents a world of contrast as daily changes in weather and waves prove to be all part of a larger picture; thumping beach breaks, cold water, and quick tropical storms are just a fraction of what you will find. Brought to you in Super 16mm, A Pleasant Surprise allows for the full beauty of this region and its surfers to be realized.

The film’s trailer:

A Pleasant Surprise from Kyle Pahlow on Vimeo.

You’ll notice that the surfing clips in the trailer range from bareback surfers to those in full head-to-toe wetsuit gear.

That’s Jersey.

After the film, head home, stretch, and sleep well, because Surf Weekend continues tomorrow with the Doug Oland Memorial Surf Contest.

Doug Oland Memorial Surf Contest

Surfer in South Seaside Park | August 2009 (Photo: Justin Auciello)

Surf for a good cause!

Wake up early, get stoked, and head to Seaside Park for the Doug Oland Memorial Surf Contest at the 2nd Avenue beach, benefiting the Doug Oland Scholarship Fund at Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River. Registration begins at 8 AM, and heats will commence at 9 AM. The registration fee is $25, and all contestants will receive a hoodie and a Surf Taco lunch.

According to magicseaweed, a reliable surf forecasting site, surf conditions for Seaside Park are predicted to be approximately 4-5 feet tomorrow morning (yet somewhat sloppy from onshore winds). As I child, I surfed competitively, and I recall many surf contest cancellations due to poor surf conditions–this will not be a problem.

Today’s stormy weather will give way to clearing conditions throughout the day tomorrow, so after the contest ends,  spend the rest of your day in Seaside Heights, where the annual Mardi Gras celebration will be booming.

Sunday?

While there are no official Surf Weekend events on Sunday, the weather should be sunny and warm, so spend the morning in the water, early afternoon at the  Seaside Heights Seafood Festival, and then cap it off at 4 PM, with the always entertaining Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns at the Beachcomber Bar and Grill on the Seaside Heights boardwalk.

September is a beautiful month at the shore, so enjoy!

On Friday, July 31, the Surf Club’s Blue Moon Jam hosts reggae legends Eek-a-Mouse and King Yellowman. Advance tickets cost $15; cover the night of may be a little bit more. Drink specials: $4 Blue Moons, $2 24-ounce Coors Lights (a cup for the night costs $4 and refills are $2 – bring your own Surf Club cup from a previous Friday and go straight for refills).  For more deals (and a more constant stream of information about the Surf Club than you may have cared for), text Planet Surf to 46786. You’ll get texts to show at the door for reduced admission – quite helpful.

obtain cup, either by paying $4 or bringing one from home; fill up for $2 with Coors Light; repeat until standing is no longer possible.

Over the border into Seaside, Hemingway’s has smaller drafts of Coors Light for $2 as well. There’s no cover. Apparently, DJ Milky Mike is spinning.

If you’re interested in walking the boards, the Sawmill has reopened since making repairs after its fire in April. To the best of our knowledge, Holla for a Dolla Fridays live on with $1 Miller Lite Drafts. No word about $1 slices though.

After nearly facing its demise, the Sawmill and $1 Miller drafts are back.

Unfortunately, the borough of Seaside Park still thinks you should be in bed by midnight. If you’re at the Sawmill till its 11:30 last call, shuffle up the boardwalk to J.R.’s near Sumner Avenue and continue your thrifty ways with more $1 Miller Lite drafts. DJ Encore will be on the turntables. JR’s puts you right on the same level as the boardwalk, giving you almost as close a look as you can get of the ocean and the endless parade flowing down the boardwalk on a weekend night. The people watching probably can’t get any better.

Don't let the sign fool you. This is JR's; not just J's.

Bamboo, everyone’s favorite no-holds-barred, unabashed, thumping nightclub, has Coronas for $2 until midnight for Fiesta Friday. Fair warning: you will be exposed to unhealthy atmospheric levels of Axe bodyspray and Paris Hilton perfume. Wear anything other than Armani Exchange at your own risk.   Underage girls rejoice – 18 for ladies is back. Members of the Boo’s mailing list receive coupons for $5 off admission for under-21 girls and no cover for those of legal age before 12 on Saturday.

The Boo is also pleased to announce its Coors Light-sponsored Bikini Beach Bash and BBQ on Saturday. Doors open at 9 p.m. Brave souls willing to show up in bikinis get free admission.

Bamboo...should be on your Sleazeside bucket list. (photo courtest of metromix.com)